A CAMPAIGN was launched in Wales last night to stop the shocking exploitation of migrant workers by unscrupulous agencies.

Among those who suffered was Polish worker Wojciech Pacek who came to North Wales three years ago with hopes of a better life.

But he ended up sharing a three-bedroom house with nine other workers and working a 72-hour week.

Wojciech, 35, who lives in Felinheli, was recruited by an agency to work at an Anglesey factory.

Now Wojciech is happily employed directly by the firm, has his wife and two children living with him and last night gave his support to the campaign to fight for the rights of vulnerable migrant workers across the country.

The action is being launched by the largest union in Wales, UNITE, and leading trade union law firm, Leo Abse & Cohen – along with Social Justice Minister, Brian Gibbons.

Wojciech says migrants pay agencies for overcrowded accommodation with travel to work costs also deducted.

As soon as they arrive in Wales, many workers are asked to opt out of the 48-hour working week by signing a document which often they do not understand.

Wojciech was keen to learn English and it was his English tutor who suggested he joined a union.

He says being a UNITE union representative has improved his relationship with his employers.

“I didn’t know about the union and had avoided them in my country. But they are different here and UNITE helped me a lot.

“After a year of working at the factory as an agency worker they took me on as a direct employee of the factory.

“I was elected as a workplace representative because I am able to use my language skills to translate for other employees who do not understand English very well.

“Now my manager treats me with respect and we have been able to improve our working conditions.”

Wojciech recruited new members to the union who then gained official recognition with the factory.

As a result of consequent negotiations with UNITE, the factory now uses a different agency and ensures they offer terms and conditions to their workers, that are equal the factory’s own employees.

Union officer Paddy McNought says that all companies should force the agencies they use to supply labour to provide comparable terms and conditions to those of the main employer:

“At the moment we have a two tier employment system that is unfair to migrant workers.

“The way they are treated by some of the worst agencies is totally unacceptable.

“ All employers should follow the lead and force the agencies that supply them with labour to give fair terms and conditions,” he said.

Wojciech added: “My family have been with me now for two years, my wife, my daughter, nine and son, six. We are not going back, we will stay at least until the children have finished their education.”